'The Empress', Season 2, airs this week! The Austrian royal, likened to Princess Diana, has an incredible story (and BTS visited her one-time Vienna home)

Schonbrunn Palace, residence of the Habspburgs and Sisi. Her story starts up again this week on Netflix

Do you know the history of Empress Elisabeth, married to Franz Joseph, the Emperor of Austria from 1848 to 1916? She was a beautiful Bavarian Duchess who wed her cousin at the age of 17, struggled with both depression and her in-laws and suffered a tragic death by assassination at the age of 60.

If that bit of history is unfamiliar - though sounding not too unlike another recent royal princess - we confess, it was new to us as well, until our visit to the Schönbrunn Palace in 2021. As part of a Blue Danube Cruise, we spent a few days in Vienna, and, along with indulging in the hometown culinary delights of Sacher tortes and Vienna sausages, we also immersed ourselves in a bit of Austrian royal history, spending a day at Schönbrunn Palace, summer home of the Habsburg Dynasty -including Empress Elisabeth, nicknamed, "Sisi". 

The Empress, Season 1, began in September, 2022. Season 2 begins this week.

Our first introduction to the wife of the penultimate Austrian emperor, was, in, of all palace places, the Schönbrunn gift shop. While securing Vienna tea and souvenir books, we encountered a plethora of "Sisi" merchandise. Asking our tour guide who this referenced and why so many shelves were devoted to "Sisi" items, she explained that Elisabeth was a very pretty empress who, in her time, was a favorite of the Austrian people. The tour guide added, "much like England's Princess Diana".

Vienna trip include Hotel Sacher (and torte)

. . . as well as sausages and ale.

Like Princess Di, Sisi, had a dramatic life filled with privilege, glamour, family feuds and crippling sadness. Popular with the commoners, both princesses rebelled again their respective "firms".  And, sadly, both royals died tragically.

But, Sisi's entre into the Habsburg dynasty would be prime material for today's reality shows. The Austrian ruler, a young bachelor needing a suitable match, had yet to find a bachelorette worthy of receiving a single rose. Franz Joseph's mother, Sophia, a domineering, take-charge match-maker (the show's "producer"), summoned her sister to bring her eldest daughter to town for an introduction to the Emperor. Sophia's sister complied with the request, but included her youngest daughter, Sisi, in the journey.

Franz Joseph a bachelor yet to bestow a rose.

Scheming relatives produce a match.

And, that's what caused our leading man to go off script. Franz Joseph was attracted to the lovely Sisi and insisted she's the one he'll marry.

Sisi's story captivated us immediately.  After our Schönbrunn visit, we did a deep dive into the Habsburg history as well as reading all our palace souvenir books and brochures. Imagine how excited we were, when Netflix aired "The Empress", the story of Sisi, on September 29, 2022 - the one year anniversary of the start of our Blue Danube trip.

Vienna souvenirs, teas, brochures and Habsburg books. 

We watched all six episodes, enjoyed them, and hoped a Season 2 would eventually follow - and this week, it is happening! It's great viewing, and even better, it's real "reality history".

The Empress, Sesson Two, begins Friday, November 22nd on Netflix. For more details, click on this site:  What's on Netflex.

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For more on this topic via BTS, check out the following links below:

BTS blog: Schonbrunn Palace. . .Discovering all the connections to Versailles (or the "real HouseQueens of Austria)  November 20, 2021

 Barbs Tea Service Podcast 11: Vienna, Empress Sisi, Pink House and Clotted Cream Controversy

BTS podcasters, Chris &Barb, along the Danube

Soaking in regional food & history

Miss Austen to air in May, 2025! Barb's Tea Service had the scoop in 2021. We loved the book, we can't wait for the film!

 

We're ready with remote control and teacup for Miss Austen, May, 2025

Miss Austen is coming to Masterpiece Theater in 2025 and we've been waiting patiently for four years!

In 2021, we featured Gil Hornsby's book, "Miss Austen" in a Barb's Tea Service's "Tuesday Tea and Tomes":  Miss Austen - We give it much approbation, but it's not about Jane. At the time, along with a high level summary of the Miss Austen story, we added some personal notes on the Jane Austen home sites we'd visited and concluded with a reference to an IMDB note that a movie based on the book was in development.  In those three years, a lot has happened and we have updates. Let's start with that blog's conclusion first. . . 

BTS reviewed Miss Austen in August, 2021. We noted then, the Miss Austen film was in development!

Miss Austen Updates:

The film:  Late last week, PBS' Masterpiece announced that Miss Austen, a period drama based on Gil Hornsby's book, will air May 4, 2025. Produced by Bonnie Productions for Masterpiece, in association with the BBC, filming was completed earlier this year. Selecting 2025 for the four-part series debut is especially fitting at marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth.

BTS Jane Austen site visits continue: Since 2021, we've added another Austen family home visit to our Jane-Austen-focus trips to England. Last year, we not only returned to Bath, but stayed three days in the home once lived in by Jane, Cassandra and their parents (Becoming Jane, Part I:  Taking tea, living in the Austen home).

Since our Miss Austen review, we returned to Bath

. . . and stayed at an Austen home in town!

For those new to the Miss Austen historical fiction tale, the focus is on the "other" Austen daughter who, after Jane's death, is on mission to preserve his sister's legacy. In an effort to scrub some of the more caustic and less wholesome communications penned by Jane, it's known that close relatives, including her sister Cassandra, burned many of the author's letters. Author Gil Hornsby, aided by research and her accommodating accommodations in the hometown of Cassandra's fiancé, Thomas Fowle, she cleverly weaves a story of the Austen's tight bond against the fractured relationship of the Fowle sisters. Add in the author's empathy to Cassandra's plight of being overshadowed by a famous sibling (Gil Hornsby is the sister of author, Nick Hornsby). 

We've waited a long time for the movie adaption and we're excited not only about it's upcoming debut, but also all the Jane Austen special events we're hosting or attending next year. It's going to be a great 250th birthday celebration. BTS will keep more updates coming, but one thing is for sure - you'll know where to find us, cup of Earl Grey in hand, on May 4th, 2025.  😉

Not the Only Podcasters in the Building: Spilling the Tea on Season 5 and our visit to the "real" Arconia

A stop at Manhattan's Belnord, "the real Arconia" in Manhattan.

Just two weeks ago, Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building" wrapped up Season 4.  We at BTS, are big fans of the series as it includes some of our favorite things:  mysteries, fancy New York apartments, the oft amusing interaction between Boomers and Millennials and, without question, podcasters.

And, not all the podcasters at the building are fictional. . . 

For those unfamiliar with the OMITB story, it's a comedy/mystery drama set at the fictional Arconia - a tony apartment/condominium building in Manhattan's upper west side - and its eclectic and eccentric residents. Three Arconia inhabitants form a seemingly improbable bond over tragic circumstances and a passion for solving crimes. The trio of sleuths are portrayed by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez  - Charles, Oliver and Mabel, respectively, and together they combine their talents to produce a murder investigation podcast. With a mix of over-the-top comedy, self-deprecation and odd, but oh-so-likeable characters, enhanced with a generous supply of celebrity cameos, we've welcomed each new season featuring the podcast trio,"OliMabel" (as Oliver once noted, "the Charles is silent").

The true silent star of OMITB is not a person, however, but a century-old, 13-story, apartment building, the Belnord, aka, "the real Arconia".  And, while the Arconia houses the imagined OMITB podcasters, the real Barb's Tea Service podcasters (your humble blog writer and husband/co-host/arm candy, Chris) visited its inspiration, the Belnord, just two years ago.

The Belnord was built in 1908 by architectural firm Hiss and Weekes (for Gilded Age enthusiasts, before joining Hiss, Weekes worked for the renowned architects McKim, Mead and White). The Italian Renaissance-style building - taking on an entire city block between 86th and 87th Streets and Broadway and Amsterdam - has two impressive archways that lead to one of  NYC's largest private courtyards. 

Chris, podcast co-host, at on of two Belnord arches that lead to one of the biggest courtyards in NYC.

OMITB co-creator, John Hoffman, quoted in a recent House Beautiful article, said the show needed a home that could both carry "enough history and elegance to hold a world of mystery and intrigue" as well as "serve as a fitting backdrop worthy of our legendary cast." After his location team found Belnord, Hoffman said it exceeded expectations, adding it "basically wrote itself into our show as its own central compelling character".

When BTS Podcasters visited in August of 2022, we immediately recognized the archway gates leading to the courtyard. Since it is, indeed private - and we weren't readily recognizable - we couldn't go in. But, we could peer through the wrought-iron gate into the exclusive, enclosed garden space with its distinctive water fountain. The latter has held prominence in key OMITB scenes, both celebratory and shocking.

Belnord, built in 1908 occupies an entire city block.

While Arconia is home to OMITB podcasters, they're not the only podcasters in residence. Perhaps not as compelling, but surly charming, we're hoping to hear a bit of fellow Arconia inhabitant and cat-lover, Howard Morris' "Animal Jobs". 

Then, there are the visiting podcasters at the swanky apartment building, in particular, those of Barb's Tea Service, Barb and Chris (none of who are "silent").  But, we must emphasize "visiting" as Belnord's active listings come with $10 million price tags - slightly over budget.

Barb's Tea Service Podcasters with occasional discourse between Boomers and Millennial

For now, we're content with occasional walk-bys and viewing it via OMITB, a show that may be high rent but not high concept.  A comfortable, silly who-done-it show that entertains, but not overtaxes, its viewers (although, we would be in favor of a deep cut, Marie Kondo, approach to the clutter of red herrings and inconsequential celebrity drop ins. Some spark joy, but too many just add unsatisfying clutter, like a pile of Rudy Thurber's Christmas sweaters)

To date, our choice for best in series, goes to Season 3. With Meryl Streep and a musical titled, "Death Rattle", you can't go wrong.

So what's the "tea" on Season 5? ?  "Tea" Leoni's brief appearance in Seasons 4's finale and the body found in the fountain will surely be the focus of Season 5. 

On the Upper West Side, only visiting!

In the meantime, catch up on Barb's Tea Service's Podcast! Find us on YouTube! 

Grocer's Daughter: BTS returns to chocolatier extraordinaire in Empire, Michigan!

BTS meets up with Grocer's Daughter's store manager, Lori S. 

Some might describe an afternoon filed with chocolate and tea as incredibly scrumptious. 

At Barb's Tea Service, we call it being on assignment - but, to be sure, when at the Grocer's Daughter, it's also incredibly scrumptious.

This week, I, along with BTS podcast co-host/husband, Chris, returned to one of our favorite Michigan chocolatiers, to sip, sample and survey products for upcoming "BTS' Chocolate and Tea" programs in the new year. Tough job? Well, let's just say, while there's little danger in it being spotlighted by Mike Rowe in his brand of specialty employment focus, it's still a serious business. Seriously delicious, that is.

Sipping, sampling and surveying.

Pairing chocolate with teas for best taste experience.

We've got a bit of history with Grocer's Daughter, having met both the new and original owners just over a decade ago at a food festival in Traverse City. (Happy National Chocolate Day, BTS blog Oct.28.13) We learned not only how they sourced and prepared their chocolate, but also their passion for - and the commitment to - the journey from raw cocoa beans to quality confections.

BTS podcast co-host/"arm candy", Chris enjoying Grocer's Daughter's chocolate.

We've been consumers of their chocolate since that first meeting, but it wasn't until 2023, that we actually visited their "home" in Empire, Michigan, located on the northwest side of Michigan's lower peninsula. (Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, Feb.7.23) We indulged in hot chocolate and truffles on a cold February afternoon and came away with a bag full of bars and baking chocolate - some for friends and family, but, a good deal for us.

Grocer's Daughter chocolate store in Empire, MI

This visit, we met up with store manager, Lori S., and she guided us to through their variety of solid dark and milk chocolates and those blended with fruits and spices. We paired these up with black, green and chai teas. 

   

Now, with "BTS Chocolate and Tea" programs on the horizon for the new year (our first is already scheduled for February), we're excited to share samples from some of our favorite chocolatiers, including, most assuredly, Grocer's Daughter.

What to Unexpect when you are Unexpecting: Nonsense and Sensibilities (Manhahahahaha!)

A mix of (labor and) delivery reference book and misguided Muppets.

Life is filled with surprises and disruptions and it's not just when elections and daylight saving day are bundled together in the same week. Although not nearly as impactful as those two events, several delivery snafus and unexpected packages arrived at BTS' doorstep within a month's time and we're beginning to wonder - just how long has there been a full moon?

Aside from the normal mix-up of Amazon packages in our neighborhood (and, to be fair, we order a LOT from on-line vendors and we live in a cluster of closeknit condos), a few unusual products were shipped to us, providing a few mysteries not immediately solvable:  specifically, a non-sensical mug and a reference book that had grossly missed its target market. 

First, the Muppet Mug:

In October, I opened a Styrofoam-packaged box that had been left on my front porch. When I opened the tightly taped container, a mug emerged. But, not only did I not remember ordering it, I couldn't readily make out its message.

Pictured on the cup is a group of familiar-looking puppets bordered by a jumble of letters. At the top, it reads:  "I don't always mahnamahna".  

Hmmmmmm? Now, I'm wondering, did I mistakenly order this, and, when I did, was their extra, extra ginger in my late night double-ginger tea? 

The second line on the mug adds, "But when I do doo doot doo do doo".

Ahhhh, okay, it finally clicked - it's an homage to the early Muppets chorus of "Mahna Mahna". A song never meant to make sense, and, quite fittingly, neither did this coffee cup's arrival at my home. 

A mix up with the seller, this unexpected mug is now a family favorite. 

But, a few minutes of sleuthing did bring me back to a recent on-line order of a cute mug I bought for a former co-worker. She had posted to all her Facebook friends, "I wish you lived next door". Whether it can be attributed to coincidence or "Big Brother", an ad for a mug with that sentiment showed up on my social media feed the next day. I decided to purchase it for my former office cube neighbor and gift it to her at our next get-together. 

Checking my order source - yes, both the cute and the crazy cup shared the same vendor. 

After reaching out to the seller, they apologized for the mistake, told me to keep the cup I had and they'd send the correct one right away.

And, they, did and it's ready for gift wrapping. 

So, while we "closed the book" on this mystery, another was on its way. . . 

Wrong (Labor and) Delivery Book:

Shortly after that mix-up, another, larger, heavier package was again waiting for me on my front porch. But the contents made less sense than the Muppet mug. A reference book entitled "The Pregnancy Bible". 

Double "Hmmm?" - and another scanning of my Double Ginger tea ingredients.

I checked all my recent on-line orders, receipts and email notifications and came up empty. The package was addressed to me, with my correct address, 

Manha-hahahahaha!  Truly an unexpected tome for the unexpecting.

I kept the book in its original shrink-wrap, set it aside and poured myself a cup of tea in my new goofy mug with plans to donate the tome should no other explanation come forth in the next few days.  

I didn't have to wait long.

A text from my sister-in-law solved the puzzle. She asked if I received a Jane Austen fan fiction book in the mail. I let he know I hadn't, but shared with her the "nonsense and sensibility" reference book I did receive. 

My sister-in-law did her own sleuthing and found her issue was similar to my mug order.  I was again, instructed to keep the wrongly sent item and the correct one would be on its way shortly.

Small stuff confusion, keep calm, drink tea and manha manha if you choose. 

In our world, uncertainty is certain and the unexpected to be expected whether on a grand scale or just the "small stuff".  While we don't profess to know how to handle all the universe throws out, for the latter, may we suggest some sage advice paraphrased from a favorite teapot and, now favorite, mug:

"Stay calm and drink tea, whether you manha manha or not"

And, may I add, I'd love if we were neighbors, but, keep in mind, if you are, you may get an abundance of my misdelivered Amazon orders.  ;)

Afternoon tea is a "keeper by the dozen": Festive fun and fabulous food with family and friends

BTS' organized an afternoon tea, a "keeper by the dozen". Lovely pins and fascinators. More to come!

Last month, Barb's Tea Service organized a first (and more to come!) afternoon tea get-together with family and friends. The pretty-in-pink tearoom in New Baltimore tearoom let us know that a dozen guests is their "sweet spot", so we reserved the newly redecorated side parlor for twelve tea invitees. 

Assembling before the tea trek to Anchor Bay.

This was a special gathering of afternoon tea veterans and ingenues, moms, daughters, in-laws, and best-teas. And, for a bit of festive fun, we asked guests to adorn a favorite pin. The broaches ranged from newly acquired to vintage and heirloom. All were beautiful and all with interesting backstories. 

Guests were encouraged to wear a favorite pin. Carol brought two!

We also loved the fascinators!  Everyone brought their A-game (or should we say Tea-game?) in afternoon tea attire.

Rachel provides instructions on the proper way to eat a scone.

As the "just delicious scones" were served first, Rachel (daughter and BTS ops and co-owner) provided instruction on the proper way to eat the quintessential afternoon tea treat. 

Enjoying a variety of tea in fancy china!

Most traveled a fair distance, including one crossing a state border to attend. But, we appreciated those who came to gather over tea, scones and conversation.

This tearoom's specialty:  just delicious scones!

And everyone left with a scone goody bag.  I selected the 💗-shaped scone, as it summed up my feelings for all the lovely ladies who attended.

Heart-shaped scone in my goody bag.

It was the first, but certainly not the last, of afternoon tea gatherings. As we are known to say at BTS, please stay tuned! 

It's the Great Glass Green Pumpkin! A new New York addition to our collection.

Our new green glass pumpkin arrived from Brooklyn's Urban Glass and it did not disappoint!

Like Linus in Charlie Brown's Halloween classic, we believe in great pumpkins. But, unlike Charlie Brown's best friend, our expectation of a great pumpkin's visit didn't disappoint -  it was real, it was spectacular and it came from Brooklyn's Urban Glass.

This month my husband, Chris, and I,  were in New York for our son and daughter-in-law's wedding and, on our last full day in Brooklyn, enroute from our hotel to the newlywed's home, we passed by Urban Glass. Their retail shop got our attention immediately, but since we were short on time, we decided we'd come back the next day before heading to the airport.

Picture taken from outside the store. Beautiful pumpkins (and more!)

Unfortunately, in our haste, we had failed to look at their posted hours, and, as we returned on Monday, Urban Glass was closed. However, we were hoping we could still be recipients of one of their beautiful glass gourds, so we snapped a few pictures and focused in on the one we wished to add to our ever-growing glass pumpkin menagerie.

Back in Detroit, I sent an email to Urban Glass with the photo and the request for the third pumpkin from the left. Not long after I hit "send", I received a most friendly call from Megan who already had our prized pumpkin set aside. After the requisite contact and payment information, our special delivery was sent and, what seemed like less time than Linus spent waiting in the patch for his great pumpkin, it arrived at our door. 

Our Brooklyn pumpkin resides with other similarly hued glass gourds in our collection.

The great green pumpkin is beautiful and an impressive addition to our collection (see our recent blog story "It's beginning to look a lot like Autumn. .  . Pumpkins in all the colors of the Rainbow"). We're now grouping it with our emerald pumpkin from Newport, RI and our "Monet" special edition from Harbor Springs, MI. I'm quite certain, this will not be the last of our purchases from Urban Glass.

In fact, we learned that Urban Glass, in addition to a wide selection of glass items, offers classes as well. Perhaps a class or two may also be in the future.

Our great pumpkin did not disappoint. In that spirit, we hope, some day, Linus, gets his great pumpkin, too.

In the meantime, Happy Halloween from Barb's Tea Service, and happy carving to those who create with the traditional pumpkins!